Spotlight On: Conversant Traveller

Around the world with the hottest food and travel profiles.

1. Who are you?

We’re Heather and Pete, a 30-something British couple who fit frequent luxury adventure travel around our day jobs here in the beautiful English Lake District. We’re independent travellers who value our privacy, and don’t mind paying a little extra for exclusive experiences. By day you’ll find us climbing waterfalls in Laos, micro-lighting over canyons in South Africa or snorkelling with sea lions in the Galapagos. Yet by night it’s all about the four poster beds, private infinity pools and even our own butler on occasion! Our travels take us all over the world, but it’s Morocco that draws us back again and again, and we now think of Marrakech as our second home.

2. What is your site ‘Conversant Traveller’ about?

Conversant Traveller is all about ‘adventure by day, luxury by night’. The blog is full of honest advice, practical travel tips and unique and quirky ideas for fun but luxurious places to stay. We’re also huge advocates of part-time travel, and show that we don’t all have to quit our jobs and become nomadic backpackers to enjoy the world. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter.

3. What is one food tip you would give about Marrakech, Morocco?

You can’t visit Marrakech and not experience the Night Market in Djemaa el Fna. As dusk descends, so do the story tellers, magicians, and entertainers. Food stalls appear and the tantalising smell of sizzling meats and stews draws people in from across the city to feast together. If you want to eat, there are dozens of stalls to choose from. It can seem a bit daunting walking through trying to decide where to sit as the touts shout comic phrases and even a few well known lines from food commercials to lure you in. Your best bet is to pick a stall which is being patronised by Moroccan families. If locals are eating there it means the quality should be okay. If you’re nervous about the hygiene standards but still want to experience the night time buzz of the square, you could do worse than grabbing a pizza on the veranda at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier. The prices you will pay in restaurants around Djemaa el Fna reflect the views rather than the quality of the cuisine, but it’s something you should do at least once.

4. What is one travel tip you would give about Marrakech, Morocco?

Just relax and go with the flow. A lot of people feel intimidated by Marrakech, especially the relentless hassle in the souks and the potential for harassment in the main square. However if you just accept it, and learn to banter back with the market vendors you’ll find the whole experience infinitely more enjoyable. Just watch out for the snake charmers. They’re some of the least charming guys I’ve ever met!

5. What is the best thing to eat in Marrakech, Morocco?

Morocco isn’t all about the humble tagine, although after spending a few days there you could be forgiven for thinking otherwise! Our personal favourite thing to eat is the salads. Yes, you read that right! A traditional 3-course dinner menu, usually served in your riad, will always begin with Moroccan salads. But don’t assume this involves lettuce leaves and slices of cucumber. No, these are dishes in themselves, and come in all sorts of guises, from grilled aubergine with tomatoes and cheese, to spiced artichoke with garlic and preserved lemon. Some are hot, some are cold, but all are delicious. Just make sure you skip lunch that day to make room for them all!

  Blogger, Conversant Traveller, Marrakech, Morocco